San Antonio native Dawn Jones Redstone’s directorial debut, Mother of Color, depicts the struggles of a single mother who receives messages from her ancestors while attempting to secure a life-changing job. The film is part of the 29th annual San Antonio Film Festival, which kicks off Tuesday.
Set in Portland, where Jones Redstone now lives, and inspired by public servant Ana del Rocio, Mother of Color highlights the realities of single motherhood.
“Ana del Rocío is a real-life single mother of two who has been working in politics for a while. As a parent myself, I was struck by how we need someone like her to create policy,” said Jones Redstone.
She asked Del Rocio to collaborate with her on a film that would take elements from her life and weave them into an “original story that ties her struggles to the struggles of our world.”
Jones Redstone interviewed Del Rocio to develop the story that became Mother of Color. In the film, single mother Noelia, played by Del Rocio, navigates work and childcare while dealing with “ancestral trauma.”
The film was important for Jones Redstone not just because of its subject matter but because of its representation. Despite making up 19% of the population in the U.S., Latinos make up less than 3% of lead actors, writers and directors in the film industry.
“It took a long time, but eventually I realized that I could make my own films and I’m carving out my path as an indie filmmaker,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud to be returning to San Antonio with a film that is ultimately about connecting with your heritage.”
She said she’s excited to return to her hometown where many of her friends and family donated to the film’s fundraising campaign. “It’s a thrill to screen it for them,” said Jones Redstone. “To be in a place where our culture thrives and we are the majority, is another kind of homecoming that I’m particularly looking forward to.”
Jones Redstone will be in attendance at the San Antonio Film Festival screening of Mother of Color on Aug. 4 at the Radius Center downtown.
This year’s San Antonio Film Festival features 248 films from local and international filmmakers over six days. Films will be screened at the Radius Center, the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and Santikos Palladium.
Individual film tickets start at $8.99 and can be purchased on the Tobin Center website. VIP passes can be purchased for $149 on the San Antonio Film Festival website.
